Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has warned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could face a difficult battle in the 2027 presidential election, saying Nigerians are increasingly demanding political change.

Ayodele made the remarks in a video shared on X by @ChuksEricE on Monday, August 31, 2026, while commenting on President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid and the APC’s political prospects.

Ayodele Predicts Tough Election for APC

Speaking in the video, Ayodele said the APC’s expected victory was uncertain and warned that the presidential election would be particularly difficult in Lagos.

“APC’s victory is shaking. You won’t understand until the 2027 election. The Lagos presidential election is going to be tough,” he said.

The cleric added that many Nigerians were tired of the ruling party and wanted a change in government.

“Nigerians are tired of the APC. People really want change,” Ayodele said.

He also claimed that the APC was facing what he described as a spiritual problem, particularly around its youth mobilisation efforts.

“Something is wrong with the APC spiritually, especially with their ‘City Boy’ movement. The Northerners have said no to the APC,” he added.

Warning Against APC Overconfidence

Ayodele’s latest comments are consistent with warnings he has issued about the 2027 election in recent months.

In late August, he cautioned the APC and President Tinubu against becoming overconfident, arguing that relying heavily on money and treating the president as a “demi-god” could lead to rejection by Nigerians struggling with economic hardship and insecurity.

He has also repeatedly questioned the level of northern support for Tinubu’s second-term bid.

Focus on Northern Support

In March 2026, Ayodele specifically warned that Tinubu could face difficulties securing northern support in 2027.

He also predicted that the City Boy Movement, a youth support group associated with Seyi Tinubu and involved in mobilisation for the president’s re-election, would struggle to make significant gains in the North.

Ayodele urged the APC to engage northern traditional rulers, political leaders and religious figures as part of its efforts to strengthen support ahead of the election.

The City Boy Movement has continued expanding its political structures, including the inauguration of chapters and grassroots mobilisation efforts in support of Tinubu.

2027 Election Battle

Ayodele is known for making political predictions and prophecies that frequently attract attention across Nigerian media and social media platforms.

His latest prediction comes as political parties and presidential hopefuls intensify preparations for the 2027 election, with economic hardship, insecurity, religion and regional voting patterns expected to remain major issues in the campaign.

No official response from the APC or the Presidency to Ayodele’s latest remarks was immediately available.